The last King of Scotland (2006, Kevin MacDonald)

After his graduation, Dr Nicholas Garrigan decided to go to Uganda because he didn’t want to work with his father. There, he became the President Idi Amin’s physician and his closest advisor. At first, Garrigan enjoyed His Excellence’s hospitality but later discovered his dark side.

As stated, the film is inspired by real events and real people (Bob Astles, a British soldier serving in Uganda and Amin, an Ugandan dictator). James McAvoy (X-Men: First Class) portrays a young doctor from Scotland and the acting is perfect: the is too naive, sometimes foolish and irresponsible. But the praise goes to Forest Whitaker who plays the dictator. The role fits him like a glove: the character’s tone is convincing and what I think was the most impressive is the sudden change of humor, the passage from trust to paranoia, satisfaction to anger, sometimes accompanied by ironic smile and laugh. I know these are two different characters but it reminded me of the famous FX TV The Shield (2002-2008) in which the IA lieutenant (played by Whitaker) excels in manipulating the subjects of his investigations.

The story is not original though. The cliches associated to Africa are highlighted: coup d’Etat, civil war, ethnic issues, child soldiers, diseases, poverty and foreign interference especially from the Western world. Unfortunately, those are real… At the same time, it also shows wonderful exotic landscapes, wildlife, kids playing on dusty ground, enthusiastic people hoping for change, nice music, etc. Africa is not poor. It just needs good leaders…  

Forest Whitaker at the 79th Academy Award Ceremony

Memorable quotes

Amin: Here is where civilization began. Here in Africa. Here is where the Greek stole the philosophy and the Arabs took the medicine. We, Ugandans, must be more proud of this history. We are an independent African nation living in peace and economic power, black power.

Stone: Do you know what they’re calling you? His white monkey

Garrigan: I’m his doctor. It’s not my job to judge the man

Stone: Is that you defence? How pathetic, f*** off Carrigan. Just hand passport to chimps like you. Particularly not chimps with blood on the hands.